Published on: 2026-09-15
Source: Government of the Russian Federation –
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The National Student Contest “Blagoustroiy!”, organized by the Autonomous Nonprofit Organization “National Priorities”, is opening its third season. The contest, supported by the Russian Ministry of Construction, Housing and Utilities, aims to find innovative and creative solutions for the comprehensive improvement of urban spaces, as well as to form a library of creative solutions and model practices for the regions. This was announced by Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin.
“Today the application process for the third season of the ‘Blagoustroist!’ competition has started. This creative contest contributes to the formation of the country’s architectural and urban planning talent pool. Such initiatives help nurture specialists who will transform the appearance of Russian cities and villages, creating comfortable and safe environments for millions of people. Over two seasons, more than 3,500 students submitted applications with over 400 projects from 75 regions, with 128 participants reaching the final. Mentorship plays a significant role here: leading architects and urban planners work with the students, helping to connect theory with practice and consider the specifics of the regions. Students get the opportunity to make themselves known, and the industry can see fresh ideas that become the basis of visible changes,” noted Marat Khusnullin.
The competition is held as part of the federal project “Creating a Comfortable Urban Environment” of the national project “Infrastructure for Life.” Students of Russian universities specializing in architecture of all forms of education aged 17 to 35 are invited to participate. Applications can be submitted individually or as part of a team of up to five people. Participant registration will continue until October 15, 2026. Applications can be submitted on the official website of the competition blagoustroistv.rf.
“The contest “Blagoustroy!” provides future architects and urban planners with invaluable experience for further professional development. It is precisely young specialists who bring fresh ideas and new solutions capable of transforming the appearance of our cities. The best ideas are already being implemented in the Donetsk People’s Republic, Volgograd, and Nizhny Novgorod regions as part of the federal project “Creating a Comfortable Urban Environment” within the national project “Infrastructure for Life.” According to the national project’s plans up to 2030, at least 30,000 public areas in Russia will be improved, and 1,600 projects – winners of the All-Russian contest of the best projects to create comfortable urban environments – will be realized,” noted the Minister of Construction and Housing and Communal Services, Chairman of the expert council of the “Blagoustroy!” contest, Irek Faizullin.
The competition takes place in three stages, includes seven categories, and two educational accelerators featuring leading experts in the fields of architecture, design, urban studies, and city planning. A two-day excursion and educational program with seminars and master classes is organized in Moscow for the finalists.
The works will be evaluated by an expert council led by the Minister of Construction and Housing and Utilities, Irek Faizullin. The council will also include representatives of the Ministry of Construction of Russia, DOM.RF, the Union of Architects, leading specialized universities, and industry companies. The main prize – 1 million rubles – will be awarded to the author of the best project. Winners in the categories will receive diplomas and cash prizes of 300 thousand rubles, and finalists will be given internships at leading architectural firms.
The Ministry of Construction of Russia presents four categories: design projects of territories previously selected in the all-Russian online voting for improvement facilities; concepts for the improvement of public spaces in supporting settlements, small towns, and historical settlements with populations up to 50 thousand, 50–100 thousand, and 100–300 thousand people. A special nomination by the Russian Orthodox Church is also announced – the improvement of territories near religious sites. Additionally, partner nominations are provided.
The Ministry of Construction recommends the projects of the semifinalists for the next all-Russian online vote to choose improvement sites. The winning projects will be implemented under the national project “Infrastructure for Life,” and their authors will join the working group.
All work must take into account the climatic and geographical specifics of the regions, be economically justified, and rely on the opinion of the residents. Contestants develop projects for the improvement of embankments, parks, and central squares, and in partner categories – concepts of roadside service, tourist infrastructure, and architectural models.
The projects of past seasons’ winners are already being implemented. In Novoazovsk (DPR), next year they will complete the improvement of the Azov Sea embankment: a park called “Burelom” will appear with pedestrian zones, children’s and viewing platforms, and an amphitheater. The project was developed by students of DonNASA – winners of the first season. In Volzhsky, Volgograd region, a renovated square will also appear based on the project of participants in “Blagoustroiy!”, supported by the majority of residents in a vote. The alley will become the main pedestrian axis of the district, linking key city points.
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